Richard Quinn Obituary

Richard Melvin Quinn, Sr. COLUMBIA, SC - Richard Melvin Quinn, Sr., of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2024 surrounded by loved ones. He succumbed to a rare esophageal condition he had battled intermittently for 25 years. Richard was born on February 23, 1945 in Charlotte, North Carolina to George Melvin and Frances Melton Quinn. He grew up in Charleston, where he attended Saint Andrews High School in West Ashley. It was during this time that his life would change forever when he first saw a beautiful dark-haired woman in a red dress at a public library. After many refused requests, Ruth LeJeune finally agreed to go on a date with him, which quickly turned into many more. They married shortly after graduation and remained together for over 60 years. A well-known public relations strategist and communications consultant, Richard left a lasting impact on South Carolina politics. His first foray into political activism began in High School, when he penned a letter to the editor, published in the Charleston Post & Courier, in support of Barry Goldwater's presidential candidacy. He attended the University of South Carolina, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science. After a short stint in law school, Richard began his professional career at the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), where he handled internal and external communications for the agency. He quickly rose up the ranks and received his Master's Degree in Communications at the University of Texas at Austin. He moved back to Columbia and a few short years later, left DHEC to start Richard Quinn & Associates, a public relations and political consulting firm. During his career, he developed many high-profile public relations and advertising campaigns for associations, small business, and corporations. He is most recognized for his unique expertise in political consulting and during his life would rarely be seen without his signature leather and felt hat and soft smile. He led over 100 state and local campaigns. Richard became well known for his speechwriting, polling, and political advertisements for national campaigns, including Ronald Reagan and John McCain for President. Blessed with a brilliant, curious mind and an insatiable appetite for popular culture, there wasn't an Elvis song he didn't know or a Buffy the Vampire Slayer episode he hadn't seen. His pride in his family eclipsed all his many, significant life accomplishments. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, he was a unique soul who kept life interesting and fun for his family. He was predeceased by his parents and surviving are his wife, Ruth and their three children: Rick Quinn (Amy Benck), Rebecca Mustian (Ben Mustian), and Raegan Quinn Smith (Mark Smith) and 8 grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held Thursday, March 28th from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the 2001 Club at Williams Brice Stadium (1040 Key Road, Williams Brice Stadium Parking Lots A & B). is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saint John's Episcopal Church at 2827 Wheat Street, Columbia, SC 29205 or at www.stjohnscolumbia.org. Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston